Alan Barefield

Alan Barefield is an Extension Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Mississippi State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He is based in Lloyd-Ricks-Watson Building, East Wing.

Research focuses on rural economic development, natural resource economics (particularly forestry), tax policy impacts, and value-added agricultural ventures. Work includes analyses of timber severance taxes, economic contributions of forestry services, and feasibility studies for producer-owned enterprises.

Publications demonstrate consistent focus on practical economic applications for rural communities, including business retention/expansion strategies, community reinvestment policies, and hunting lease economics as land value enhancement tools.